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Patios slow to take, but successful first year

Suriano would have liked to see many more patios put up this summer, but realises that it might take a while for the idea to catch and some businesses might need more time to plan...
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Based on the success of Tiny Italy’s sidewalk patio pilot project last year, City Council have approved a policy allowing others to take part. Photo by Jeff Turl

After last year’s pilot project patio, spearheaded by Tiny Italy’s Filippo Suriano, the downtown-wide patio bylaw has been in full effect all summer.

In addition to Tiny Italy’s parking patio on Wyld St., The Moose Cookhouse sprung the second one this summer on Main St.

Chris White, owner of the Moose Cookhouse said not only did he believe their sidewalk patio this summer was a success, but the whole process of getting a patio through the city went better than past experiences.

“Those working at the city with the patios have been doing a great job—council members and staff have made the whole thing a very different experience,” he said.

White said he saw an increase in sales as a result of the patio, in comparison to previous summers.

“It really pulls people in and helps revitalise the downtown area,” he said, noting how he feels people feel more inclined to visit these patios during the warm summer weather while they are walking downtown.

Executive Director of the Downtown Improvement Area (DIA), Jeff Serran said this year went smoothly and looked forward to expanding the number of patios as the years go by.

“We’re hoping to have a new one every year,” he said. “We are working with a third location for next summer.”

White said that although this year was more of a toe in the door, next year would more of a foot and he had plans to expand the patio of the Moose. He also expressed interest in looking to provide a patio experience at the Station Tap House & Steak Co.

Suriano said he would have liked to see many more patios put up this summer, but realises that it might take a while for the idea to catch and some businesses might need more time to plan.

“I know it’s an investment for businesses, but it’s hard to pass up the incentive from the city,” he said, noting the possible eligibility of up to $2,000 from the city’s Downtown Community Improvement Plan for the costs of construction and design.

He said despite only two restaurants taking advantage of it this year, it was a start and he was glad to see a second patio.

“It’s great for the downtown and it doesn’t just have to be restaurants,” he said. “Boutiques and other businesses can put things outside too.”  

While currently the by-law is in effect for the downtown area, Serran said he’d like to see these initiatives around North Bay, noting how some businesses, like the New Ontario Brewery, have taken advantage of the clear summer skies to host outdoor patios on their properties.  

With time still left in the patio season, Serran said once it’s over they would take the time to carefully analyse the first official year of implementation to see if any adjustments need to be made and what kind of other improvements can be done.